I'm bored.

Though my strides are long, that man is faster even with his small legs. He won't be able to run from me, I can see the trail left behind by his magic. It's strange, really, I was almost blind back before I became this, when I still had hope for my future. All we aelenvari were.

Magic was only really in the relics of old but now it seems to be everywhere. What happened in the millennia I was under that mountain and within my containment? Did the people of ancient times come back or is that distant beacon the reason. I want to go there, to that great, emerald light.

I shake my head and mind the cockpit of Atarifuge. No, if I want to see the world and relive my life as an adventurer of it, I will need to leave behind this great machine. I want to see if the world has changed for the better. I thought I was content, sealing myself off from the world but I'm not.

I want to live my life like I used to, climbing mountains and slaying beasts! The wind in my hair as I practised with sword and shield, the feel of dirt around my sinking points. It's not really the same to be travelling the world inside Atarifuge. All this magic hurts to look at, thankfully, Atarifuge seems to have the means to make it easier to see.

But, when I get out of here, I want to do things again. I want to take my sword, like I can with Atarifuge and use it to block a dragon's maw. I want to dance through a horde of lesser beasts and come spinning out without a scratch on me. Just a trail of blood on the edge of my steel!

I can almost do it with Atarifuge but it's not the same, I long to have the world kiss my skin once again. Though I can sense and feel the motions, Atarifuge can only express so much. I can swing my blade and toss and throw, catching the thing and making it a blunt axe. Much as pain is not something I love, it is what makes being alive so compelling.

To have such a clear distinction between what to care for and what to avoid... But, I guess that is also why I am even within Atarifuge to begin with. Too much pain and sorrow overwhelmed me. I wanted to turn my skills against the world though now I will try and do my best to save it.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

I need to stop that man before he can be consumed by his own anger. I know where it leads, I cannot allow him to escalate this behaviour. I chuckle a little at my thoughts as I follow the trail. I let out a 'hmmm' and turn to face the change in the path.

"He stopped going ahead and went around on a bend this way?" I question before a bright light enters my view. A dragon is coming to challenge me? Or Atarifuge, rather. Well, I suppose now is a chance to relive my old glories.

I watch the beast some more and get used to the timing of its approach.

Taking up a proper posture with my divine machine, I go to my side and raise the sword. My hand closest to the pommel curls around and in turn, the one underguard does the same. Though I have no need, habit makes me take a deep breath and I shiver at the old feeling. Just a little more... A little more!

Now!

I bring the sword down and the fire bypasses completely. It strikes Atarifuge's body and the entire thing backpedals, much to my shock. Dust is knocked from its ancient home and I bang my head. Shaking it and feeling the warmth coming down the back of my skull, I smile.

"I WILL NOT BE FELLED SO EASILY, DRAGON!" I shine with joy, adjusting my position and getting the sword in the fire's way. With one hand on the grip and the other on the flat of the blade, I hold my ground. Catching onto the malleability of the attack, I release my bottom hand and rear it back for a punch. The sword swings up and hard as does the fire.

Moving into the momentum, I spin and swing a cutting blow at what must be the dragon's neck. The fire stops at the source but what is out goes to the gods. Looking up at its now distant trail, I frown a bit and roll my shoulders, mechanical and flesh. Even with the strength of Atarifuge, I must be cautious, this machine may be nigh-indestructable but I am not.

My attention returns to the path of the man and I carry on my walk, making the necessary turn to head along the path. A smile sticks to my face like a good quality honey on a sweet pudding. When I am done here, I will find a mercenary band like I was once a part of and see the world with them. Coming and going as the boredom strikes and the fancies take me.

Oh... Just one dragon isn't enough but I only have my memories to work with!

"Well, no one can see me, not like I can see them." I remark with a chewed-upon cheek as my bulbs glow gently. I suppose the practice is good anyway, I misjudged the timing and were it not for Atarifuge, I'd be dead. I'm only a few thousand years out of practice, so I don't have much to worry about, but still.

Closing my eyes and letting my dreams come to mind, I try to reenact what I can see. These things have kept my mind alive with such vividity, they can be relied upon. I just need the discipline to focus on good dreams. No more remembering that night I left my home behind...

I am doing this so no one else leaves their home like I did all that time ago, yeah.